Ananda Lewis’s Death Prompts Renewed Focus on Black Women’s Health Risks

Ananda Lewis, once hailed as MTV's reigning star VJ in the 1990s, mingled with iconic figures like Prince and Shaquille O’Neal. Her magnetic influence earned her the title of “the hip-hop generation’s reigning ‘It Girl’” from The New York Times. In recent years, however, she transformed into a vocal advocate for health awareness, candidly sharing her stage IV breast cancer battle and urging Black women to prioritize mammograms. In a heartfelt October 2020 Instagram post, she implored others to get tested and take doctors' advice seriously.Tragically, this influential personality succumbed to her illness at the age of 52. Her sister expressed profound sorrow on Facebook, saying, “She’s free, and in His heavenly arms.” Statistics reveal Black women face a disproportionate risk of dying from breast cancer due to healthcare disparities that hinder access to necessary screenings and treatments. This narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for health advocacy within the community.